Today, VEDP announced the launch of its ‘Going Global’ initiative as part of its strategy to help Virginia defense companies mitigate the effects of sequestration.

Sequestration is the name for the automatic federal spending cuts that began on March 1 as part of the Budget Control Act of 2011, enacted by Congress to resolve the U.S. debt-ceiling crisis.

The impact of Sequestration has been less severe than expected—Department of Defense contracts decreased from $56.9 billion in FY2011 to $51.5 billion in FY2012. However, the Commonwealth is the top state for DoD contracts, raising concerns that lost contracts could results in lower revenues for Virginia companies unless they can find new customers.

As part of its sequestration mitigation strategy, VEDP is working with Virginia defense companies to help them find those new customers overseas. The receipt of nearly $2 million in federal and state funds will allow VEDP to augment some of its most successful programs already underway within the International Trade division.

For example, defense companies will be able to utilize VEDP’s Global Network team of in-country consultants from more than 55 countries. Market research services include compiling background information, identifying potential distributors, conducting due diligence, arranging matchmaking appointments with potential partners and customers, assessing competition, and helping companies understand the regulatory environment.

VEDP will be able to assist companies with export compliance. Virginia companies participating in this program will receive an export compliance analysis, including guidance on completing a Commodities Jurisdiction Analysis and submitting the required paperwork to the Department of State in compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

The grant will also allow companies to enhance their marketing and digital presence to target foreign markets through website translation and search engine optimization.

VEDP recently released an export guide for defense companies titled Export Opportunities for Virginia’s Defense Industry. The guide outlines regulations, processes and strategies specific to the defense industry, and contains marketing and sales best practices for both new and experienced exporters.

VEDP’s International Trade division offers a wide variety of programs to help Virginia companies succeed in the global marketplace. To learn more, click here.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) recently celebrated the opening of its new headquarters building in the Ballston Science Corridor in Arlington, Va. DARPA first announced plans to relocate in July 2009 in order to meet updated Department of Defense (DOD) security requirements.

Federal, state and local officials worked with the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission to keep DARPA within the Science Corridor in Arlington, and avoid relocation to a military base. This project retained 800 jobs at DARPA and more than 1,700 jobs through its partnerships with other defense contractors and private businesses in the region.

The Virginia National Defense Industrial Authority administered a $10 million grant to customize the new building to meet the DOD’s Minimum Anti-terrorism Standards for Buildings. The 13-story, 352,000-square-foot building was also constructed to meet LEED Silver energy efficiency requirements.

A leading research institution and agency of the DOD, DARPA’s mission is to develop critical technology to preserve national security. The agency’s innovations have led to key scientific and research discoveries, including involvement in the creation of the Internet.

As part of the Ballston Science Corridor, DARPA will enjoy synergies with the surrounding science community, including the National Science Foundation, the Office of Naval Research, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, CACI International, and the new Virginia Tech research center.

DARPA is one example of the many leading research institutions in the Commonwealth, providing Virginia businesses with access to cutting-edge research and an innovative workforce. To learn more about Virginia’s world-class research capabilities, click here.

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About VEDP

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), a state authority created by the Virginia General Assembly to better serve those seeking a prime business location and increased trade opportunities, provides confidential site selection and international trade services. VEDP's mission: To enhance the quality of life and raise the standard of living for all Virginians, in collaboration with Virginia communities, through aggressive business recruitment, expansion assistance, and trade development, thereby expanding the tax base and creating higher-income employment opportunities.